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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for an end to the months-long conflict with the United States, saying Tehran is in a position of strength and dignity to negotiate a conclusion to the war.
Speaking during a meeting with doctors on Friday, Pezeshkian said Iran was prepared to end the fighting despite the ongoing standoff between the two countries.
“It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” he said.
The conflict, which began after military action by the United States and Israel in February, has left both sides locked in a prolonged confrontation, with diplomatic talks remaining suspended.
Iran has continued restricting access through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, while Washington has maintained a naval counter-blockade targeting Tehran.
Pezeshkian also accused the United States of attacking civilian infrastructure during the conflict, saying, “The whole world acknowledges our victory and emphasises that America has attacked our schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of all regulations and is hated around the world.”
The comments came after Iran’s foreign ministry condemned Washington’s plan to expand economic sanctions against Tehran, describing the measures as “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity.”
“The perpetrators and instigators of these sanctions are deserving of trial and punishment for committing such heinous crimes,” the ministry said in a statement carried by Iranian state media.
The United States has shifted its focus towards economic pressure, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning that Washington’s sanctions campaign could “collapse” the Iranian government.
Bessent said the planned measures would reduce the likelihood of further major military action, promising more details on the sanctions programme during a press conference on Monday.
China has criticised the US approach, with foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian saying sanctions and pressure would not resolve the conflict.
“China calls on all relevant parties to take responsible measures and resolve the problem through political and diplomatic means,” Lin said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also dismissed Washington’s planned sanctions expansion, calling the move an “Economic D-Day” and describing it as a distraction from America’s own economic challenges.
